The Monastery of the Heart- New Joan Chittister

Benedictine Sr Joan Chittister's The Monastery of the Heart is a wonderful book, ideally suited for anyone who seeks the lived meanings of monasticism as theses are to found within cloistered walls and outside of them.  The brief meditations on different aspects of the Rule of Benedict that are found on these pages lead the reader to a refreshing sense of the monk that lives in each of us.

Chittiester writes beautifully and this book takes a different approach than her other writings.  Whereas she usually writes in prose style, The Monastery of the Heart is written in poetical form.  The stanzas illumine the various yet connected teachings of the Rule of Benedict.

The Monastery of the Heart is Joan Chittester's powerful spiritual guide for all of us who are seeking a more purposeful life today, in this time of social upheavals and global transformations.  It is written for seeker of any faith or none- individuals, couples, families, and small groups - who are looking for true meaning while facing seemingly countless options, both spiritual and secular, and are feeling overwhelmed by choices It builds on the ancient Rule of Benedict to show us new way of meaningful living in the very center of our own world - without ever withdrawing from it.  The Monastery of the Heart is anchored in the Rule, rooted in its values today.  Fresh in its form and focus, it invites us to become within ourselves monastics of the heart.